Hippolytus (wrote about AD 200) The most important 3rd-century theologian, his Apostolic Tradition provides a picture of Roman church order and worship around the year 200. Attacked Gnosticism and other errors in Refutation of All Heresies. Criticized the dominant party in the Roman church for laxity of discipline and doctrinal unsoundness. Opposed forgiving those guilty of serious sins committed after baptism. His commentary on Daniel and Song of Solomon are the most ancient Bible commentaries that have survived to this day.
Cyprian (bishop from AD 248-258) Bishop of Carthage did not believe that the church had the power to grant absolution for sins to those who had lapsed during times of persecution. Laid the foundation for the development of the Roman Catholic hierarchy. Supported the college of bishops (the episcopate) as the authority in the church universal. Taught that the bishops answer only to God and that criticism of a bishop was rebellion against God. Recognized the preeminence of Rome and described the Roman bishop as the first among equals.
Tertullian (160-220) Born in Carthage, North Africa, Tertullian is thought to have been a lawyer converted to Christianity late in the second century. Wrote many apologetic works in Latin and Greek. Wrote Apologeticus (AD 197) addressing the Roman governor of Carthage. Argued that Christians should not be persecuted because they were loyal citizens of the empire and, besides, the blood of the martyrs is seed. Considered the founder of Latin (Roman Catholic) theology. Believed in episcopal authority and apostolic succession. His Against Praxeas (31 chapters) was an early statement of Trinitarian doctrine. Became a Montanist around 200 A.D.
Praxeas Monarchian from Asia Minor who lived in the end of the 2nd century/beginning of the 3rd century. Believed in the unity of the Godhead and vehemently disagreed with any attempt at division of the personalities or personages of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the Christian Church
Montanism Arose around AD 156, in Phrygia (central Asia Minor), named after Montanus, a newly-converted pagan priest, who claimed to be the Paraclete promised by Jesus. Was a reaction against institutionalism, formalism and worldliness in the church, desiring to return to the church s earlier spiritual emphasis. North African Montanism adopted strict asceticism emphasizing fasting, celibacy, strict moral discipline, while Asian Montanism was more of a charismatic movement, proclaiming a new era of prophetic activity for the church, heralding the imminent coming of the New Jerusalem and the Millennium. Martyrdom was encouraged and believed to have sin-atoning power.
Tertullian 160-220 We are but of yesterday, and we have filled every place among you - cities, islands, fortresses, towns, market-places, the very camp, tribes, companies, palace, senate, forum (Apologeticus 37)
Church persecuted by Rome 100 1 Paul Polycarp Peter Marcion John 200 Edict of Toleration 300 Diocletian Tertullian Constantine 400 500
Division of Empire Persecution of Christianity Retirement (305)
Edict of Toleration Christians may again exist and rebuild the houses in which they used to meet, on condition that they do nothing contrary to public order. (Quoted from Eusebius, History of the Church 8:17:5).
Constantine Battle for the Milvian Bridge (312)
Constantine Battle for the Milvian Bridge (312) In this sign conquer Edict of Milan: Restated & expanded the Edict of Toleration (313) Reunification of Roman Empire Favored status (324)
Christianity as Favoured Religion Bishops given the right to judge civil cases Sunday made into a public holiday New Edict of Toleration: Christians not allowed to persecute pagans
Christianity as Favoured Religion According to A Manual of Church History: "He exempted the Christian clergy from military and municipal duties and their property from taxation (313); abolished various pagan customs and ordinances offensive to Christians (315); facilitated the emancipation of Christian slaves (315); legalized bequests to Christian churches, a very important measure (321); enjoined the civil observance of Sunday, though only as the day of the Sun, and in connection with an ordinance requiring the consultation of the soothsayer (321); contributed largely toward the building of Christian houses of worship; and gave his sons a Christian education." p.306
Constantine Baptism: Not in his lifetime, however, baptized on death bed He was baptized by Eusebius - 377 A.D.
Constantine Wand writes of his conversion in the History Of The Early Church: "About Constantine s personal religion the most divers views have been, and still are, held. It is doubtful whether he was a genuine Christian who whole-heartedly accepted the faith and teaching of the Church; or whether he was really a syncretist whose desire was to establish a universal diestic religion; or whether he was an astute statesman who believed he could find in Christianity the social and moral force that would bring unity to his empire
Constantine Wand writes of his conversion in the History Of The Early Church: "...by heredity Constantine was bound to the worship of Jove and Hercules, but... after he began to achieve fame he showed a marked veneration for the sun, which seems to have represented to him the unity behind the many different forms of religious belief... the many scholars who adopt the third alternative point to the ambiguous character of many of Constantine's acts.."p.136
What should be the attitude of Christians to the gaining of civic or political power?
Before Constantine After Constantine Purity within the church Long periods of catechism training before receiving baptism Less purity within the church Christians known for their strict lifestyle Loosening of the standards Martyr mentality among the pious Monastic mentality began to emerge among the pious Requirements to become a Christian were minimized
Donatus Magnus (Died 355) The Donatists arose in North Africa after the persecutions of Diocletian in the fourth century and took a strict stand against restoration of lapsed members. The Donatists later appear to have merged with the Novatians (a group that supported the doctrine of the Trinity). What about those who have been baptized or married by fallen bishops?
Rome Constantinople Antioch Jerusalem Alexandria
Arius Priest in Alexandria, Egypt Taught that Christ was a created being (Arianism) Christ was the first created being who then created all the rest of creation Deposed by Alexander, bishop of Alexandria
Constantinople Nicaea Council of Nicaea Met at Nicaea in May/June-August, 325 300 Bishops in attendance (5 from west; more than 100 from Asia Minor, about 30 from Syria-Phoenicia, fewer than 20 from Palestine and Egypt) Alexander & Athanasius versus Arius
The Nicene Creed We believe in one God the Father All-sovereign, Maker of all things. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, begotten of the Father, only-begotten, that is, of the substance of the Father God of God, Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not made, of one substance with the Father
The Nicene Creed By whom all things were made, both which be in heaven and in earth. Who for us men and for our salvation came down (from heaven) and was incarnate and was made man. He suffered and the third day he rose again, and ascended into heaven. And he shall come again to judge both the quick and the dead. And (we believe) in the Holy Ghost. And whosoever shall say that there was a time when the Son of God was not, or that before he was begotten he was not, or that he was made of things that were not, or that he is of a different substance of essence (from the Father) of that he is a creature, or subject to change or conversion - all that so say, the Catholic and Apostolic Church anathematizes them."
The Nicene Creed 1. First exiling - excommunication from the church. 2. Anathema - putting away from Christ. 3. Is still recited in the Catholic Church as well as by some Protestant bodies.
The Council at Nicaea The other major issue at the Council was the proper date for the celebration of Passover. Many Christians especially those in Asia Minor still commemorate Jesus' death on the 14th day of the Hebrew month Nisan, the day the "Jewish" Passover lambs had been slain. In contrast, Rome and the Western churches emphasize the resurrection, rather than the death of Jesus. They celebrate an annual Passover feast but always on a Sunday.
The Council at Nicaea The Council rules that the ancient Christian Passover commemorating the death of Jesus must no longer be kept on pain of death. The Western custom is to be observed throughout the Empire, on the first Sunday after the full moon following the vernal equinox. It is later to be called "Easter" when the Germanic tribes are converted en masse to Christianity." p. 21
The Council at Nicaea it was universally thought that it would be convenient that all should keep the feast on one day; for what could be more beautiful and more desirable, than to see this festival, through which we receive the hope of immortality, celebrated by all with one accord, and in the same manner? It was declared to be particularly unworthy for this, the holiest of all festivals, to follow the custom (the calculation) of the Jews, who have soiled their hands with the most fearful of crimes, and whose minds were blinded...
The Council at Nicaea We ought not, therefore, to have anything in common with the Jews, for the Savior has shown us another way; our worship follows a more legitimate and more convenient course; and consequently, in unanimously adopting this mode, we desire, dearest brethren, to separate ourselves from the detestable company of the Jews, for it is truly shameful for us to hear them boast that without their direction we could not keep this feast.
The Council at Nicaea How can they be in the right, they who, after the death of the Saviour, have no longer been led by reason but by wild violence, as their delusion may urge them? They do not possess the truth in this Easter question; for, in their blindness and repugnance to all improvements, they frequently celebrate the Passover twice in one year. We could not imitate those who are openly in error.
The Council at Nicaea Nicaea promulgated 220 disciplinary decrees... Canons 15 and 16 forbid bishops, priests, and deacons to involve themselves in the affairs of another diocese or locality. Canon 4 orders that all the other bishops of the province appoint bishops, and in case of difficulty, by at least three. The appointment was to be ratified by the metropolitan bishop. Canon 5 declares that provincial synods are to be held twice a year, presumably under the metropolitan, to examine excommunications inflicted by bishops...
The Council at Nicaea Nicea promulgated 220 disciplinary decrees... "Some canons have to do with the dignity of the clergy: the ordination of eunuchs (c.1), of those insufficiently tested since baptism or proved unworthy (c.2), of those who have denied the faith in persecution (c.10), and cohabitation of clerics with other than relatives or women beyond suspicion (c.3)... A two fold criterion is set up for the admission of heretics (c.19): those who have not erred on the doctrine of the Trinity, such as the Novatians, are to be reconciled without repetition of their baptism; the followers of Paul of Samasata, however, are to be rebaptized, since it is not clear that they confess the Trinity. On Sundays and the days of Pentecost, the faithful are to stand for the liturgy, not kneel (c.20)." p.433
Christ only seemed to be Docetism human Christ only seemed to be Ebionism divine Christ was created by God Arianism and then created all else Christ had no human spirit; Apollinarianism Logos came and replaced it Jesus became the Christ at Monarchianism His baptism
Ebionism A continuation of the Judaizing heresy against which Galatians was written. Originated in Palestine disappeared in the fifth century. Some Ebionites had orthodox views on salvation, but interpreted the duty of Christian living in terms of obedience to Old Testament law. Others denied the virgin birth and the deity of Christ and the atoning work of His sufferings, in an attempt to maintain a true monotheism. Emphasis on circumcision and sabbathkeeping. Venerated Peter, but rejected Paul and his writings.
One God reveals Himself in Sabellianism three ways Logos indwelt the person of Nestorian Jesus making Christ a Godbearer Human nature of Christ Eutyches absorbed by the Logos Monophysite Christ had only one nature Christ had no human will; only Monothelite one divine will Adapted from Robert Walton
Monarchianism Arising in Asia Minor, this doctrine taught the oneness of God against the Trinitarian concept. Some Monarchians taught that only the Father possesses true personality, while the Son and the Spirit are impersonal attributes of the godhead. Known as Adoptionism, this view held that Jesus was a mere man upon whom only the power or influence of the Father rested. It was taught by Paul of Samosata, bishop of Antioch, who was condemned and deposed for heresy in 268.
Monarchianism Other Monarchians (Sabellius, Noetus and Praxeaus) believed in modalism, meaning that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit were merely modes of expression or activity of God. This was also called Patripassionism, suggesting that the Father suffered as the Son. The rise of Monarchianism occasioned much debate that helped to define the Trinitarian position.
Church Councils of the 4th and 5th Centuries Council of Nicaea 325 Jesus is of the same substance as the Father Council of Holy Spirit is co-eternal with 381 the Father and Son Constantinople Council of Ephesus Council of Chalcedon 431 Jesus is one person, fully divine and fully human 451 The human and divine natures of Jesus are unmixed
Council of Chalcedon 7th Canon - "Persons converted from heresies, shall not be received until they shall have anathematized every heresy, and particularly that in which they were held; and afterwards those who among them were called communicants, having thoroughly learned the symbols of the faith, and having been anointed with the holy chrism, shall so communicate in the holy Mysteries. 16th - Gospels to be read on the Sabbath along with other scriptures (OT). 29th - dealt with Sabbath - equated it with "Christians must not judaize by resting on the Sabbath, but must work on that day, rather honouring the Lord's Day; and, if they can, resting then as Christians. But if any shall be found to be judaizers, let them be anathema from Christ."
Council of Chalcedon 37th "It is not lawful to receive portions sent from the feasts of Jews or heretics, nor to feast together with them." 38th "It is not lawful to receive unleavened bread from the Jews, nor to be partakers of their impiety." 39th "It is not lawful to feast together with the heathen, and to be partakers of their godlessness." 51st "The nativities of Martyrs are not to be celebrated in Lent, but commemorations of the holy Martyrs are to be made on the Sabbaths and Lord's days."
Church persecuted by Rome 100 1 Paul Polycarp Peter Marcion John 200 Edict of Toleration Four Church Councils 300 Athanasius Arius Constantine 400 Fall of Rome 500
What was the rationale for the formation of the monastic movement?
St. Anthony 251-356 Christian in Egypt Heard a sermon on Christ s words to the rich young ruler: Go and sell all your possessions and follow me. Gave away his possessions and moved into the desert, living the life of a hermit
Simeon Stylites 390-459 Removed himself to the top of a pillar in Syria
What are some of the Biblical pros and cons of a solitary monastic lifestyle?
Pachomius 292-348 Born in Thebes Forcibly inducted into military Converted to Christianity Followed example of Anthony Organized nine groups of both male and female monasteries
Monasticism in Monasticism in the West the East Communal living, but usually within some proximity to civilization Desert living; sometimes in community and sometimes alone Emphasis on reaching out to culture Emphasis on escaping culture
Benedict of Nursia 480-542 Ran away to live in a cave at the age of 14. Established a monastery at Monte Cassino Rule of St. Benedict
Rule of St. Benedict Idleness is the enemy of the soul. And therefore, at fixed times, the brothers ought to be occupied in manual labor; and again, at fixed times, in sacred reading (Documents of the Christian Church, P.133).
Rule of St. Benedict The brothers shall wait on each other in turn so that no one shall be excused from the kitchen-work, unless he be prevented by sickness, or by preoccupation with some matter of great necessity (Documents of the Christian Church, P.132).
Rule of St. Benedict Let not the younger brothers have beds by themselves, but dispersed among the seniors. And when they rise for the service of God let them gently encourage one another, because the sleepy ones are apt to make excuses (Documents of the Christian Church, P.129).
What are some of the Biblical pros and cons of a communal monastic lifestyle?
What sort of lifestyle changes were necessary for one to become a monk?
How did the monastic movement contribute to the Church and society?
Church persecuted by Rome 100 1 Paul Polycarp Peter Marcion John 200 Origen Edict of Toleration Four Church Councils 300 400 Athanasius Arius Augustine Constantine Pelagius Fall of Rome 500
Church persecuted by Rome 100 1 Paul Polycarp Peter Marcion John 200 Origen Edict of Toleration Fall of Rome Theodosius 300 400 Athanasius Arius Augustine Constantine Pelagius 500
How much diversity in matters of Christian doctrine should the church tolerate?
Acts 20:28 Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
Acts 20:29-31 I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be on the alert
Rome Constantinople Antioch Jerusalem Alexandria
Ambrose of Milan 339-397 Governor of Milan Civil strife over Arian controversy upon death of Bishop of Milan Ambrose called for peace and was nominated as bishop though unbaptized Gave away his property and studied for ministry
Ambrose of Milan 339-397 Withstood the Arians Justina, the regent for her son, demanded that the church adopt Arianism. Ambrose refused. Brought congregational singing into the church Excommunicated Theodosius in 390
Jerome 347-420 Traveled to Syria and learned Hebrew, later traveled through Palestine and Egypt Settled in Palestine where he devoted himself to writing Translated the Bible into Latin (Vulgate)
John Chrysostom 347-407 His nickname was Chrysostom ( golden-tongue ) Trained in law before studying for ministry He was a preacher at Antioch Appointed to be bishop of Constantinople Known for preaching exegetically from the Bible
School of Alexandria Sought the deeper meaning by use of allegorical interpretation ClementAlexandria of Alexandria, Origen School of Antioch Antioch Emphasized the plain sense of the meaning of the Bible in interpretation Chrysostom, Theodore of Mopsuestia
John Chrysostom 347-407 The Empress Eudoxia had him exiled because she was displeased with his preaching on Elijah and Jezebel. He was banished to Pontus.
Augustine 354-430 Mother was Monica, a Christian Teacher of rhetoric in Milan Admired Ambrose for his speaking ability Take up and read
Augustine 354-430 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy
Augustine 354-430 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. (Romans 13:13-14)
Augustine 354-430 Bishop of Hippo, North Africa Confessions: Tells story of his coming to Christianity Rome sacked by Visigoths (410) City of God
The City of God The Kingdom of God is not to be found in today s political arena The Christian s true citizenship is in the city of God
Accordingly, two cities have been formed by two loves: the earthly by the love of self, even to the contempt of God; the heavenly by the love of God, even to the contempt of self. The former, in a word, glories in itself, the latter in the Lord. (City of God 16:28)
The earthly city, which does not live by faith, seeks an earthly peace, and the end it proposes, in the well-ordered concord of civic obedience and rule, is the combination of men's wills to attain the things which are helpful to this life. The heavenly city, or rather the part of it which sojourns on earth and lives by faith, makes use of this peace only because it must, until this mortal condition which necessitates it shall pass away. (City of God 19:17)
Augustine versus Pelagius Man is born in sin and spiritually dead Man is essentially good Man s will was affected by the fall so that, apart from the Spirit, he does not choose God Man s will is neutral; he has the free will to either follow God or reject God Salvation is a gift of God to undeserving men Salvation comes as men imitate Christ
Predestination Free Will